While volunteering, I've had the opportunity to coordinate activities personable for particular kids I see every week. Some of the kids may have been there for a while and some been there for less than 24 hours, so it was important to keep in mind of how they may be feeling when playing games and talking with them. Oftentimes, I take the kids to the play room on their floor if they are well enough. Here, we can play with all kinds of toys of their choosing, like Barbie dolls, trains, or pretend-shopping simulations. If they are not well enough to leave their rooms, I have brought kids playing cards, like Old Maid or Uno; baby toys, like rattlers; and craft kits, like coloring books or pottery with painting supplies. 

In addition to these activities, I always make sure to clean and wipe down their play rooms before I start the day. As this isn't the most exciting part of my day, it is still very important. I sanitize all the tables, chairs, used toys, counters, etc., so the kids are at low risk of infections or worsening conditions while being there. Furthermore, I stock the toy closet at the end of my shifts with items from the Cheer Guild (donated toys fund) to make sure there is a variety that can be chosen from for all the different kids on the floor. There can be babies to preteens, boys and girls, or shy or extroverted; no kid is the same! This is why this service experience is important to me: I gain knowledge about the care and interests of all age groups and I allow these kids to have a better start to their day with fun activities because what they are going through it unimaginable for me. 

From this experience, I have learned numerous things. In the blink of an eye, families rush to the hospital to get care for their children. Obviously, no family wants to go through this, and the situation is not easy for anyone; however, I have learned through the kids to have hope and optimism through everything. These kids have more hope than I ever did at their age, and I never went through any comparable situation. Although some children are going through such illnesses, they never see themselves as less than and are as happy as can be when playing with toys in the hospital, which amazes me. Their strength truly gives me strength. 

I have also learned about the needs and interests of different age groups when it comes to what activities the kids want to do. I found that the younger kids like more creative, imaginative games, like playing dolls or cars. The older kids usually like more relaxed games, like cards and coloring. Babies really like being held and having toys that are colorful and have a bunch of buttons or textures. All the kids have one thing in common though: they honestly just want someone to play with and talk to, as some families aren't able to be at the hospital 24/7. 

Both of these lessons have allowed me to grow as a citizen, a learner, and future professional. I know that I have a place in the community to be as helpful as I can be, whether that is through Riley Children's or not. I can take on any task or even hardship that is put in my way because I learned from the best. Having this opportunity has also allowed me to understand and appreciate all the differences in every person I have taken care of or have known throughout my life. I can apply the skills I have learned at the hospital to the world outside of the hospital, leadership and creativity. This service learning project connects me to my career goals even further, as I am sure of my future position in the hospital. Any person in the hospital can make a difference to any patient, and it is all about the way the patient is being treated. This experience has brought me to understand what other families' realities can really be and how I can be as strong as they are through such unimaginable situations.